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The public is invited to learn more about attracting birds to your backyard feeders at a FREE class being sponsored by the Chisago County Master Gardeners Tuesday evening, September 26. The presenter will be Carrol Henderson, supervisor of the DNR Non-game Wildlife Program. He is also the author of several books, including “Landscaping for Wildlife,” and “Wild About Birds.” Join us as he talks about how to attract a variety of wild birds to your feeders throughout the seasons.

The class will be held at the Senior Center at 6th and Maple in North Branch beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Call the Extension office at 651-674-4417 if you need directions.

Chisago County residents interested in becoming Master Gardeners can get more information and an application by attending this class. Call the office at 651-674-4417 for directions.

UPCOMING CLASSES: Our fall class series brochure is available in the 'Hot Topics' box at: www.extension.umn.edu/county/chisago or call 651-674-4417 to have one mailed to you. The series includes classes on food preservation.

PLANT CLINICS: Volunteer Master Gardeners will be available Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m., at the Senior Center in North Branch in conjunction with our fall class series. They are also at the Lindstrom Farmers' Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon in the parking lot of St. Bridget’s Church at 13060 Lake Blvd., Lindstrom, to answer your gardening questions.

You can also leave your question at 651-674-4417, ext. 18. Depending on the volume of calls, you should get a response within a couple of days or try 'Ask a MG' on the web at www.extension.umn. edu/askmg.

Thousands of questions have been answered, so try the search option in the black bar at the top left of the board for the fastest answer.

IN YOUR YARD AND GARDEN: We're coming up to one of the better times for broadleaf weed control, from now to mid-October. Because the days are getting shorter, temperatures are getting cooler, and we're getting a bit of rain, plants are actively growing so photosynthates go down to roots. This downward flow moves herbicide as well. Remember, if you want to do fall weed control, plants need to be actively growing, so water your lawn. Creeping Charlie can be sprayed now.

Herbicides such as glyphosate (RoundupR) are typically more effective on difficult to kill weeds in the fall than any other time of the year.

In addition, a fall herbicide spray on areas that will be put into vegetable or flower gardens next spring can kill current vegetation and allow for easier planting and fewer weed problems come spring.

Plant spring blooming bulbs. Their color and fragrance will be welcomed additions to the spring landscape after the Minnesota winter. Consider buying different species and/or varieties within a species that have slightly different flowering times to extend the spring bloom season.

Attend info session on how to become a Master Gardener

It's the time of year when County Extension Offices around the state are taking applications for the Master Gardener training program to be held in early 2007. Chisago County residents interested in becoming Master Gardeners can get more information and an application by attending our monthly educational session and meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Senior Center in North Branch. Call the office at 651-674-4417 if you need directions.

To be a Master Gardener you need to have an interest in gardening as well as a desire to share this with others. You should be enthusiastic, willing to learn, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. You must attend the Master Gardener Core Course, 48 hours of classroom or online instruction by University specialists, and complete an internship of 50 volunteer hours the first year. To continue as a Master Gardener, you must perform 25 hours of volunteer service each year through your local Extension office.

The Master Gardener program was created in 1977 and is administered by the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Most counties in Minnesota have a Master Gardener Program.

Volunteer activities are education focused and include answering phone requests for gardening information, working with community groups, holding plant clinics, giving presentations, setting up horticultural displays, writing articles for local newspapers, and teaching classes. Master Gardeners may also function as resource individuals for horticultural questions in their local Extension offices.

The training is offered during January in the Metro area. This year there will also be a training in Mora. January 30-February 24, 2007, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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